DEAR ABBY: I'm being married in six months and am planning a small wedding with family and close friends only. What is your advice on the best way to respond when well-meaning acquaintances say things like, "I hope I'm invited!" When this happened, I was so surprised I just smiled and didn't respond. -- BRIDE-TO-BE
DEAR BRIDE-TO-BE: Because someone says, "I hope I'm invited," does not mean you are on the hook to do so. Just smile and reply, "I'd love to invite you, but it's going to be a very small family affair."